Reducing vandalism of water and sanitation infrastructure

Water and sanitation utilities commonly experience vandalism and theft of their
property. These acts of vandalism are widespread in both urban and rural settings and take a number of forms: they include water theft leading directly to a loss of revenue for the utility, and the vandalism and theft of valuable metal pipes, fittings and manhole covers leading to an increase in the utility’s maintenance costs. The extent of vandalism and theft experienced in a project or defined area can have a direct and significant impact on the performance of a utility, and where the service is negatively affected, this will ultimately impact on the well-being of customers. Despite anecdotal evidence of the prevalence of this problem research into the subject remains very limited, with a lack of documentation on interventions to reduce vandalism or the extent to which a reduction in vandalism can lead to improved water and sanitation services.

To explore strategies for combating this issue, WSUP has recently carried out a case study documenting experience in the Copperbelt region of Zambia, where Nkana Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) are implementing a three-pronged, integrated approach to vandalism reduction.

Want to find out more? For a quick read download our two-page Practice Note. For a more in-depth analysis, see our Topic Brief.

Webinar on Approaches to Systematic Review: Promote Handwashing and Sanitation Behaviour Change in Low and Middle Income Countries Join the second in our 2017 series of webinars, for the launch of the recent systematic review, Approaches to Promote Handwashing and Sanitation Behaviour Change in Low and Middle-Income Countries. A webinar for WASH practitioner […]

Join the second in our 2017 series of webinars, for the launch of the recent systematic review, Approaches to Promote Handwashing and Sanitation Behaviour Change in Low and Middle-Income Countries. A webinar for WASH practitioners. What are the most effective interventions to promote handwashing and sanitation? Presented by Emmy De Buck, Manager and Lead Res […]

Join the second in our 2017 series of webinars, for the launch of the recent systematic review, Approaches to Promote Handwashing and Sanitation Behaviour Change in Low and Middle-Income Countries. A webinar for WASH practitioners. What are the most effective interventions to promote handwashing and sanitation? Presented by Emmy De Buck, Manager and Lead Res […]

Job Announcement: EkoLakay Program Advisor Location: Cap-Haitien with limited travel to Port-au-Prince Application Deadline: October 6th, 2017 Start Date: November 15th, 2017 or earlier JOB DESCRIPTION: The primary function of the EkoLakay (household toilet service) Program Advisor is to facilitate a continuous cycle of experimentation and analysis in suppor […]

Hi Mr. Mugal! I recently read the following article and i think it might be of your interest: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004313541730622X Basicly, what they found out was that the majority of the water contamination (in that specific context) wasn't caused by the latrine, but the well-pump system and the post-collection handling. Really […]